Re: [Paddlewise] reflections

At 08:18 AM 8/7/98 +0000, you wrote:

>     This is a short trip report on our recent 2 week voyage near 
>Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. 5  paddlers ventured 
>north from the area near Telegraph Cove, seeking new adventures. 

snip 


 Imagine watching an Orca pod rip the water to a froth. 
>Imagine watching an Orca leap clear out of the water. Picture bathing 
>along a white shell beach in brilliant sunshine, and having a whale 
>breech 20 feet away. Hear wolves howling mournfully nearby, as you 
>negotiate a narrow passage with tidal rapids on both ends. Imagine 
>finding wolf prints on the shore of a remote island 3 miles out to 
>sea. Envision fighting a salmon from a kayak, while a bear walks 
>along the shore. Taste the salmon, crab, clam during the evening 
>meal, and watch the sun slowly set. These are just some of the things 
>that helped to form our summer vacation experience in British 
>Columbia.
>     Brad Crain



As a coastal British Columbian by birth, Brad's recital reminds me of the
outdoor experience that B.C. is noted for.  I have also been reading "Kayak
Routes of the Pacific Northwest Coast", further whetting my appetite to
again re-visit some of the places I took for granted in my youth.  At that
time in my life, I had a high speed power boat, and was more interested in
'getting there', than enjoying the 'ride'.

I was able to visit remote places on the west coast of Vancouver Island and
inlets before the road improvements had occurred, and with these
improvements, these areas were 'discovered'.

It has been 17 years since I resided on Vancouver Island, having spent 15
years in central Canada.  I now reside about 250 miles from the ocean, but
am able to paddle many of the 1000's of lakes which dot the local
landscape.  I too have this summer have been able to visit the habitat of
the species of the lakes, watching the graceful flight of the eagle, seeing
osprey dive for fish.  I have paddled the crystal clear water of lonely
lakes, nestled between glacier capped mountains.

In commiseration, I am fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world,
and my recent discovery of kayaking has enabled me to experience more of
it.  Thanks to many of you who have pointed out the peaceful experience of
paddling, with memories that last a long time.  Many contributors live in
or nearby large metropolitan area; perhaps many of us in the rural area
have failed to appreciate what was outside our back door.

Thanks again,

Rick Brundrige
Williams Lake, B.C.



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